A Respectful Hello to ESMB from JB

[JBWriter]

[FONT=&amp]Hello ESMB Members,[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]
[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]While I doubt I’ll post here often, I have read enough threads/posts over the last two weeks or so to understand the importance of providing a brief bio for the other members/lurkers to read and consider.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]The basics: I’ve never been a Scientologist; don’t personally know anyone who is/was a Scientologist; and, hold no informed opinion on whether or not the practical application(s) of Scientology provide spiritual sustenance.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]So what am I doing here?

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]Well, as a housekeeping matter, the posted rules state that an individual who is not an Ex-Scientologist is permitted to join – a gracious offer which admirably errs on the side of wider inclusion and is most appreciatively accepted.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]Simply put, I’m here to continue reading/learning about the experiences of people who have and share a myriad of opinions about their time spent within or adjacent to an organization that significantly altered their lives. The shorter version? I’m curious and willing to continue.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]While my curiosity was initially piqued by reading the stories/accounts of different individuals who have endured wholesale oppression/oppressive acts – as a writer, detailed narratives often attract my attention while tooling about the net – the ‘pull’ of the political, historical, cultural, and sociological references contained within the posts just as surely engaged other, non-professional areas of my brain and heart. (Operations Snow White & Freakout, picketing/specious lawsuits against the IRS, judicial tampering in FL, NN’s origins/criminal acts, Hubbard’s biography & its distortions, “Fair Game” & other hateful policies, and the Billion Year Contract are just a few of the truly mind-blowing topics/issues which prompted further study.)

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]The blogs, books, other message boards, YT vids and other media recommended here* have provided an abundance of help so as to familiarize myself with many facts/opinions about Scientology and Scientology-related issues and I look forward to learning more in 2013 – especially with three new books due to be released! (*Haven’t seen ‘The Master’ yet but expect to do so shortly.)

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]Additional basics: I’ve never practiced any religion; don’t personally believe in the concepts of ‘reincarnation’, ‘heaven/hell’, ‘higher being’, and the like; but, fervently accord respect for any/all who believe otherwise. Life is yours to live it as you see fit – you’ll find no disagreement from me on how you choose to be/live/love/pray/exist during the time we share space/time here on Earth. Another way: I know no more than anyone else how best to live and what little I do know works well for me.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]So. That’s my intro – hope it’s not too long/boring.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]To those who have shared and bared their pain – your courage is extraordinary. [/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]
[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]JB.[/FONT]

 

[Free Being Me]

​

 

[JBWriter]

​

Thank you, FreeBeing.

 

[Purple Rain]

 

[Gottabrain]

[FONT=&amp]Hello ESMB Members,

[FONT=&amp]The basics: I’ve never been a Scientologist; don’t personally know anyone who is/was a Scientologist; and, hold no informed opinion on whether or not the practical application(s) of Scientology provide spiritual sustenance.

While my curiosity was initially piqued by reading the stories/accounts of different individuals who have endured wholesale oppression/oppressive acts – as a writer, detailed narratives often attract my attention while tooling about the net – the ‘pull’ of the political, historical, cultural, and sociological references contained within the posts just as surely engaged other, non-professional areas of my brain and heart. (Operations Snow White & Freakout, picketing/specious lawsuits against the IRS, judicial tampering in FL, NN’s origins/criminal acts, Hubbard’s biography & its distortions, “Fair Game” & other hateful policies, and the Billion Year Contract are just a few of the truly mind-blowing topics/issues which prompted further study.)

The blogs, books, other message boards, YT vids and other media recommended here* have provided an abundance of help so as to familiarize myself with many facts/opinions about Scientology and Scientology-related issues and I look forward to learning more in 2013 – especially with three new books due to be released! (*Haven’t seen ‘The Master’ yet but expect to do so shortly.)
To those who have shared and bared their pain – your courage is extraordinary. [/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]

JB.[/FONT]

Hi JB! Welcome to ESMB!

Over the weekend, I've noticed a slew of television shows with a cult theme - everything from the series "The Cult" to Law & Order are using parallels of cult life for shows. It's a hot area right now - everyone is interested.

Still, it's a shameful thing to admit one was in a cult. Especially Scientology. It took me 25 years to come forward publicly and sometimes I still get negative reactions. But it's worth it to expose what goes on.

I hope you don't mind if I bring up some details NOT covered in these shows:

1) They don't show the thwarted attempts of police or other welfare agencies to inspect or improve conditions - because there are drills for people in administrative positions to pretend they are nannies, to hide or lock up session data, or to otherwise disguise abusive conditions.

2) They don't show how those who deal with the public eventually are influenced to leave by what they learn from them.

3) Attempts to go against the cult and to improve it from within are occasionally successful but require quiet campaigns by those involved. This is what those who believe "the problem is only the management" try to do. Eventually, though, mgmt catches up.

Examples:

1) Staff take their time allowed to study Scientology - but instead do a quiet round-robin to care for each other's children properly.

2) Staff refusing to be removed from post - and sometimes the manager trying to remove him/her is removed instead.

3) Sending staff home to sleep instead of conducting all-nighters, then pretending the job was done.

The constant physical tiredness often results in humorous mistakes that have to be covered up or rectified later.

Hope this helps.

Sheila

 

[EP - Ethics Particle]

There are some fine intellects and much talent as well as experience on the message board, and that's a fact.

Hi Sheila!

Mike

 

[Anonycat]

[FONT=&amp]Hello ESMB Members,[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]
[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]While I doubt I’ll post here often, I have read enough threads/posts over the last two weeks or so to understand the importance of providing a brief bio for the other members/lurkers to read and consider.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]The basics: I’ve never been a Scientologist; don’t personally know anyone who is/was a Scientologist; and, hold no informed opinion on whether or not the practical application(s) of Scientology provide spiritual sustenance.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]So what am I doing here?

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]Well, as a housekeeping matter, the posted rules state that an individual who is not an Ex-Scientologist is permitted to join – a gracious offer which admirably errs on the side of wider inclusion and is most appreciatively accepted.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]Simply put, I’m here to continue reading/learning about the experiences of people who have and share a myriad of opinions about their time spent within or adjacent to an organization that significantly altered their lives. The shorter version? I’m curious and willing to continue.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]While my curiosity was initially piqued by reading the stories/accounts of different individuals who have endured wholesale oppression/oppressive acts – as a writer, detailed narratives often attract my attention while tooling about the net – the ‘pull’ of the political, historical, cultural, and sociological references contained within the posts just as surely engaged other, non-professional areas of my brain and heart. (Operations Snow White & Freakout, picketing/specious lawsuits against the IRS, judicial tampering in FL, NN’s origins/criminal acts, Hubbard’s biography & its distortions, “Fair Game” & other hateful policies, and the Billion Year Contract are just a few of the truly mind-blowing topics/issues which prompted further study.)

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]The blogs, books, other message boards, YT vids and other media recommended here* have provided an abundance of help so as to familiarize myself with many facts/opinions about Scientology and Scientology-related issues and I look forward to learning more in 2013 – especially with three new books due to be released! (*Haven’t seen ‘The Master’ yet but expect to do so shortly.)

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]Additional basics: I’ve never practiced any religion; don’t personally believe in the concepts of ‘reincarnation’, ‘heaven/hell’, ‘higher being’, and the like; but, fervently accord respect for any/all who believe otherwise. Life is yours to live it as you see fit – you’ll find no disagreement from me on how you choose to be/live/love/pray/exist during the time we share space/time here on Earth. Another way: I know no more than anyone else how best to live and what little I do know works well for me.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]So. That’s my intro – hope it’s not too long/boring.

[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]To those who have shared and bared their pain – your courage is extraordinary. [/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]
[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]JB.[/FONT]

Welcome, and I agree that the cult is a very interesting subject, and being here for its demise is an exciting time in history.

 

[Infinite]

..

Indeed, it is very much to ESMB's credit and Emma/MiniMe's initial vision that there is room available here for us never-been-ins. There's a few of us here now and, as always, the more the merrier. Welcome aboard.

I'd be interested in reading anything you come up with involving Scientology. I fancy myself as something of a writer - not published or anything, but working on it. No matter the genre, the Scientology story has *everything* in abundance and, well, lets face it, you just can't make this stuff up. I'm currently working on the best-seller which is going to make me a squillionaire, especially when I sell the movie rights. Its a sort of one-man against the world escapes the brutal cult and sets about rescuing his loved ones while bringing rough justice to the evil doers - think Jeffrey Archer/Sara Peretsky meets Hemmingway : )

 

[JBWriter]

Hi JB! Welcome to ESMB!

Over the weekend, I've noticed a slew of television shows with a cult theme - everything from the series "The Cult" to Law & Order are using parallels of cult life for shows. It's a hot area right now - everyone is interested.

Still, it's a shameful thing to admit one was in a cult. Especially Scientology. It took me 25 years to come forward publicly and sometimes I still get negative reactions. But it's worth it to expose what goes on.

I hope you don't mind if I bring up some details NOT covered in these shows:

1) They don't show the thwarted attempts of police or other welfare agencies to inspect or improve conditions - because there are drills for people in administrative positions to pretend they are nannies, to hide or lock up session data, or to otherwise disguise abusive conditions.

2) They don't show how those who deal with the public eventually are influenced to leave by what they learn from them.

3) Attempts to go against the cult and to improve it from within are occasionally successful but require quiet campaigns by those involved. This is what those who believe "the problem is only the management" try to do. Eventually, though, mgmt catches up.

Examples:

1) Staff take their time allowed to study Scientology - but instead do a quiet round-robin to care for each other's children properly.

2) Staff refusing to be removed from post - and sometimes the manager trying to remove him/her is removed instead.

3) Sending staff home to sleep instead of conducting all-nighters, then pretending the job was done.

The constant physical tiredness often results in humorous mistakes that have to be covered up or rectified later.

Hope this helps.

Sheila

Dear Gottabrain,

Thank you for such a generous response. Everything provided above helps, but I must add that along with the information itself, your keen insights about the information are honest treasures. Without question, watching your vids and reading your posts/threads here have prompted/provoked (seemingly) innumerable questions in my mind about this particular cult's destructive ways/methodology.

It saddens me to learn of any shameful feelings that may linger re: original cult membership, but I hope you feel so much more about the entire experience, too. Proud. Accomplished. Strong. Validated. Appreciated. Free.

I've not viewed the tv shows you mentioned but will keep an eye out for this new trend. My initial reaction is to wonder whether episodic television's slant on depicting cult life will be realistic enough. Still, the introduction of the topic itself into the pop culture arena is, in my view, a plus. While I didn't discover the abuses/harmful acts associated with this cult via television, when I did, I looked further. So too, I believe, will those who watch L&O or other, similar fare.

JB

 

[Gottabrain]

Dear Gottabrain,

Thank you for such a generous response. Everything provided above helps, but I must add that along with the information itself, your keen insights about the information are honest treasures. Without question, watching your vids and reading your posts/threads here have prompted/provoked (seemingly) innumerable questions in my mind about this particular cult's destructive ways/methodology.

It saddens me to learn of any shameful feelings that may linger re: original cult membership, but I hope you feel so much more about the entire experience, too. Proud. Accomplished. Strong. Validated. Appreciated. Free.

I've not viewed the tv shows you mentioned but will keep an eye out for this new trend. My initial reaction is to wonder whether episodic television's slant on depicting cult life will be realistic enough. Still, the introduction of the topic itself into the pop culture arena is, in my view, a plus. While I didn't discover the abuses/harmful acts associated with this cult via television, when I did, I looked further. So too, I believe, will those who watch L&O or other, similar fare.

JB

Awww... you're so sweet! My vids or stories are open for your use, with the only stipulation being that they are used to expose the truth about what goes on in Scientology and never used on any pro-Scn site or to attack or hurt critics of Scn.

Okay, here's one of my stories you may find interesting. I've a lot to do today so not writing new ones now (maybe later):

http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthre...ted-to-AOLA&highlight=murderer+recruited+AOLA

 

[JBWriter]

There are some fine intellects and much talent as well as experience on the message board, and that's a fact.

Hi Sheila!

Mike

Dear EP,
Brilliant minds and dedicated intent -- truly, a rare combination.
JB.

 

[Lurker5]

Hi JB, and

 

[Good twin]

JB

I know other never ins who read this site fairly regularly. It helps me to know someone is listening.

The guilt does subside. Mostly when I reconnect with someone I lost while in the cult (or by leaving).

After being out for five years, I can say that I do feel better about what the cult experience gave me. But waking up is hard to do and there are just so many layers. I stumble on cult thinking in my brain fairly regularly and it's not as disturbing as it used to be. Mostly it's just interesting and kinda funny and embarrassing. But even people who were never in a cult have their oddities.

GT

 

[JBWriter]

..

Indeed, it is very much to ESMB's credit and Emma/MiniMe's initial vision that there is room available here for us never-been-ins. There's a few of us here now and, as always, the more the merrier. Welcome aboard.

I'd be interested in reading anything you come up with involving Scientology. I fancy myself as something of a writer - not published or anything, but working on it. No matter the genre, the Scientology story has *everything* in abundance and, well, lets face it, you just can't make this stuff up. I'm currently working on the best-seller which is going to make me a squillionaire, especially when I sell the movie rights. Its a sort of one-man against the world escapes the brutal cult and sets about rescuing his loved ones while bringing rough justice to the evil doers - think Jeffrey Archer/Sara Peretsky meets Hemmingway : )

Dear Infinite,
I'll happily provide links and such as I find them, if only to repay everyone for their recommendations to date!
And, Emma/MiniMe? Yep, I'm in awe of the work she's done to provide such an incredibly important space.
As for your best-seller -- much success to you and a solemn promise to pre-order whenever it's available. May your squillions be tax-exempt.
JB.

 

[afaceinthecrowd]

Welcome to this here First Class Rodeo, JB. So glad you are here with all of Us.

ESMB is a Treasure Chest of the finest, truest and sincerest from the Heart writing, stories, wit and information to be found ANYWHERE regarding Scn and El Ron. This Board is a Virtual Community comprised of Ex Scns from all Eras, Echelons and Experiences of the Cof$ construct.

ESMB has what Scn and El Ron falsely claimed to have…The Power to Heal.

Looking forward to reading your "stuff".

Face

 

[AnonSunshine]

JB Writer:
Welcome!!!
You came to the right place to learn about $cientology.

 

[AnonyMary]

Best Threads For New Arrivals?
http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthread.php?17195-Best-Threads-For-New-Arrivals

Internet Resources on Scientology for newcomers
I find that the following are essential links of information for those seeking facts about Scientology... that's why I started this list back in 2006...
..."here is the latest since 2009, though not complete, nor fully corrected but a better start to update the OP. I did add a few new ones, like Jesse's blog, and rearranged it all some, since there were and may still be duplicates."

Lots of personal stories, videos, blogs, articles....
http://www.forum.exscn.net/showthre...-for-newcomers&p=550308&viewfull=1#post550308


Best wishes,

Mary

 

[JBWriter]

Welcome to this here First Class Rodeo, JB. So glad you are here with all of Us.

ESMB is a Treasure Chest of the finest, truest and sincerest from the Heart writing, stories, wit and information to be found ANYWHERE regarding Scn and El Ron. This Board is a Virtual Community comprised of Ex Scns from all Eras, Echelons and Experiences of the Cof$ construct.

ESMB has what Scn and El Ron falsely claimed to have…The Power to Heal.

Looking forward to reading your "stuff".

Face

Thanks for the gracious welcome You're absolutely correct in your description of the posts, people, and information contained within ESMB's borders, too.

I should've made it clear in my initial post, but I've no plans to write about anyone's personal experiences with Scientology. That said, there certainly are many here whose stories are far more interesting/compelling than what's currently available on the non-fiction shelves at the local bookstore...and a few that could give the fiction shelves a shudder or two. :shock:

JB

 

[Gottabrain]

Thanks for the gracious welcome You're absolutely correct in your description of the posts, people, and information contained within ESMB's borders, too.

I should've made it clear in my initial post, but I've no plans to write about anyone's personal experiences with Scientology. That said, there certainly are many here whose stories are far more interesting/compelling than what's currently available on the non-fiction shelves at the local bookstore...and a few that could give the fiction shelves a shudder or two.
JB

That's very kind of you to say, JB.

Seems another here is trying to take attention away from you and some of the other Newbs here....

Which makes me think it is extra special that you are with us.

You are welcome to PM me if there's a certain angle or area of interest to you. The subject is so vast, and after 9 years in, the stories are sort of endless for me. Where to begin? We tend to write only the biggest ones, but perhaps it is the smaller ones that are truly the bigger moments.

 

[JBWriter]

That's very kind of you to say, JB.

Seems another here is trying to take attention away from you and some of the other Newbs here....

Which makes me think it is extra special that you are with us.

You are welcome to PM me if there's a certain angle or area of interest to you. The subject is so vast, and after 9 years in, the stories are sort of endless for me. Where to begin? We tend to write only the biggest ones, but perhaps it is the smaller ones that are truly the bigger moments.

^^^^(My bold above)
Happy to let s/he/it have ALL the attention, frankly, but WOW! ESMB-members have incredible stores of tolerance.

Thank you for extending such a warm hand of welcome, and while I'm certain to have specific questions in the future, I quite enjoy the research thus far. It's somewhat akin to finding out that there was another, parallel history hidden from textbooks/view -- which, rightly or wrongly, exponentially 'ups' the fascination factor to those with a curious mind. Mixed in with the discoveries, of course, are honest pangs of outrage, sorrow, celebration, condemnation, and not a few vulgar expressions as I read/watch assorted personal accounts/descriptions.

Generalizations don't appear popularly accepted here - for good reason -- but I haven't yet come across a personal story where the individual who joined Sci did so to cause harm to another. To me, that speaks volumes.

JB - who hasn't quite figured out PM's & the natter board yet. Still working on my profile.